In a Single Episode, This ‘Wheel of Time’ Character Became One of the Show’s Most Unforgettable Additions

With its expansive world and sprawling story, The Wheel of Time has many characters, and every season has introduced more. Given the fact that there is so much going on as the plot escalates, the massive cast shouldn’t be a surprise. Not only does the series cover the political happenings for the Aes Sedai in the White Tower, but it also follows the Dragon Reborn, Rand (Josha Stradowski), and his friends, who are rarely together, usually earning three if not more storylines between them. Other cultures, such as the Aiel, need characters to represent their way of life — and, of course, The Wheel of Time requires numerous villains to thwart the hero’s efforts. All in all, there are a staggering number of fascinating characters introduced in the fantasy series, but one of the most interesting only appears in a single episode.

That distinction belongs to Morgase Trakand (Olivia Williams), who is an incredibly influential individual as the Queen of Andor and an honorary Aes Sedai. Despite her position, The Wheel of Time only shows her in Season 3, Episode 2, “A Question of Crimson,” though she is mentioned a few times both before and after her appearance, especially in reference to her daughter, Elayne (Ceara Coveney). Due to the untimely cancellation, The Wheel of Time never reached the part of the books’ story that most heavily features Morgase, cutting off her potential. Yet even with only a brief appearance, Morgase’s ruthlessness and power make her a formidable character, but the love she has for her daughter adds a layer of complexity, culminating in a fascinating addition to the series.

Morgase’s Introduction in ‘The Wheel of Time’ Is Shocking

Olivia Williams as a young Morgase on the Lion Throne — Image via Prime Video

From her very first appearance in The Wheel of Time, Morgase takes the audience by surprise. “A Question of Crimson” opens with a flashback to 20 years before the main story, which shows a young Morgase ascending the Lion Throne to be crowned the Queen of Andor. This is not a position she merely inherited but one that she won in a succession war, defeating other contenders and aiming to bring peace to Andor. It seems to be a joyous day for her as she declares victory over her rivals and ushers in a new era for the kingdom after a brutal war. Her victory shows Morgase to be both powerful and a skilled politician; however, in the brief flashback, Morgase takes things even further than required for her to gain the throne.

This scene shows that Morgase didn’t just win the war, but she unrepentantly eliminated any opposition by having her rivals killed by their own family members, even as they surrendered to her. It’s a sudden twist as these four heirs have their throats slit in the middle of her hall, and Morgase watches unflinchingly before accepting her crown and the cheers of the assembled crowd. Her actions may seem a step too far, but it does ensure that Morgase’s line is safe, preventing further conflict. This execution is a brutal choice, but it proves in just three minutes that Morgase is a formidable ruler with a past worth further exploration. Her ruthlessness shows that Morgase is not a traditional hero, but she’s not a villain either, making her intriguing before she even gets involved in the main story.

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Salt, meet wound.

‘The Wheel of Time’ Makes Morgase Complex as Well as Powerful

The flashback is a strong start, but Morgase’s story only grows from there. As Morgase turns up in the White Tower, she is more powerful than ever. To begin with, she faces Siuan Sanche (Sophie Okonedo), the Amyrlin Seat, and though they have a bit of a power struggle, when they are alone, Siuan speaks to Morgase as an equal. After the harsh words between them, Siuan lets her mask fall and apologizes to Morgase, showing a rare respect for her. Morgase even manages to read Siuan instantly, seeing that something horrible has just happened among the Aes Sedai, and though she doesn’t quite guess about the Black Ajah’s attack, she does manage to have Elaida (Shohreh Aghdashloo) spying for her. Yet an even more significant testament to Morgase’s power is the fact that Gaebril (Nuno Lopes) is actually the Forsaken Rahvin, who has targeted her in an attempt to gain power. His tricks fool even the Aes Sedai, so being susceptible to his compulsion cannot be held against Morgase, and considering Rahvin chose her out of all the world’s leaders, the situation proves just how influential she is.

However, even within her single episode, The Wheel of Time shows there is more to Morgase. She travels to Tar Valon out of concern for her daughter, appealing to Siuan as a mother who needs to ensure Elayne’s safety. And when the mother and daughter are united, they show an undeniable joy, proving that they truly care for each other. This revelation seems contradictory to her cold, queenly persona, but it is really evidence that Morgase is a complex character. Morgase’s softer side is hinted at in the flashback when she pauses in the ascension to greet her young sons, but her care for Elayne reveals that this affection isn’t for show. And beyond her love for her daughter, Morgase clearly respects Elayne. Morgase orders Elayne to leave the Aes Sedai and return home, but she accepts Elayne’s defiance with grace, letting her be her own person. The understanding she shows proves that she isn’t just a calculated and powerful ruler but a loving mother who puts her daughter’s choices above the politics of their position.

‘The Wheel of Time’ Could Have Made Morgase Even More Interesting With Time

Olivia Williams as Queen Morgase in 'The Wheel of Time' — Image via Prime Video

Though Morgase isn’t in the later episodes of The Wheel of Time Season 3, her story is far from over. In Robert Jordan‘s books, Morgase has her own storyline as she escapes from Rahvin’s control and tries to protect her kingdom and family. Even without Morgase’s presence, Season 3 alluded to this story with Rahvin’s appearances and Elayne learning that Gaebril is a Forsaken, acknowledging the danger back home.

These moments suggest that Morgase would have been an important part of The Wheel of Time Season 4 if the show had not been canceled, which would have given her character more time to develop. With the series ending just as Morgase could have become a central presence, her potential will, unfortunately, never come to fruition. However, The Wheel of Time did her as much justice as it was able to by showing her to be a powerful, ruthless, loving, and layered individual in her limited screentime.

The Wheel of Time is streaming on Prime Video in the U.S.